“Mr. Walker, Miss Sasha is here, Sir,” Horatio was saying from beside me. I scanned the room and swallowed hard as I took in the tall figure standing silhouetted against one of the huge windows that gave a view that looked like it must be the whole of New York City.
Oh, God.
I swallowed again. “Hello.”Shit.Was that my voice? He was turning, facing me, his features cast in shadows. As he moved closer, I saw he was still in the clothes he’d been wearing when we met at his office. He’d removed the jacket and tie though, and the crisp shirt was unbuttoned at the collar, the shirt sleeves rolled up to exposed tanned muscular forearms. I tried not to stare, but it was impossible as he drew closer, looming over me.
“You may go,” he said, and for a moment, I thought he was talking to me, but a sound nearby reminded me that the driver was still with us. I turned and looked up at the man.
“Thank you, Horatio,” I said warmly, reaching out to brush his arm. “You’ve been very kind.” His features softened into a smile.
“Anytime, Miss Sasha. You need anything, you just call. Day or night, okay?”
I nodded and smiled, grateful for his engaging nature. He’d set my mind at ease on the journey. I’d been terrified when I got in the limo, reading over the contract a dozen times on the drive over. A million dollars. There it was, in black and white. A million freaking dollars!
“I said you can go,” Prince Walker repeated sharply, his voice grating like nails over ice.
Horatio nodded, keeping his eyes lowered as he quickly retreated. The door clicked shut behind us and suddenly we were alone. The seconds dragged by like an eternity and I stared down at my feet. When he spoke again, I was so jittery I almost jumped out of my skin.
“Welcome, Sasha…to your new home,” his voice was low, deep; it shivered over me like a breath.
“Thank you,” I managed to squeak out.Sheez!I was totally out of my element. Even the air around me smelled expensive. All I could think of was that my shoes were scuffed, and the suitcase beside me contained a bundle of clothing that he’d probably want to have fumigated.
He reached out and took my chin between his thumb and forefinger, tilting my head up to look into his face. There was little warmth in his expression, and I struggled to hold my ground, but I clenched my hands into fists at my sides and remembered why I was here. What it was all for.
Emilio. I have to save Emilio.
Confusion racked me. What would he expect from me now? Would he demand sex? It was…it was terrifying. And yet not. My lips were dry, but I was too afraid to lick them while he had my face poised for his inspection. His eyes finished their examination of my features and ran down my throat to my chest. I could feel the heat in that stare. There was no doubt in my mind that this would be the nature of our “arrangement.” But the rest? How was I supposed to become a top model in three months? I’d never posed for a photo, let alone been in a fashion shoot. And what else was needed of me? Cat walks? Commercials? I wouldn’t even know where to begin.
I remained motionless as he continued his slow perusal, praying that my face wouldn’t betray my inner turmoil.
“You’ll want to freshen up, I imagine,” he said suddenly. Whatever I’d expected him to say, it wasn’t that. “I’ll show you to your room. Let you unpack.” He looked down at my suitcase and I felt my cheeks burn as his eyebrows lifted; whatever he was thinking remained unspoken. “Come with me.”
I nodded quickly and reached for the luggage handle, pulling the strap of my purse more securely over my shoulder. He led me away from the cavernous living area down a hallway lit with soft golden lights hidden in the ceiling and set into the floor along the walls. It was like walking through a luxury hotel. I peeked curiously into doorways, catching glimpses of sumptuous rooms as we moved briskly along. As we reached the end of the hallway, he pushed open a door and then walked ahead of me into a—
Oh my God!
We walked straight into a palatial suite. There were no other words to describe it. The room was big enough to fit in my entire apartment in twice. Eggshell blue walls were washed with soft lighting that glowed up onto delicate prints of flowers and birds. Against the center wall, a huge bed was set beneath a glittering chandelier that shimmered tiny flickering lights across the silvery bedclothes. My feet were soundless as I followed him into the room, muted by dense carpeting that was plush underfoot.
Is this where he sleeps?I wondered. It seemed impossible. The place was designed for a princess. Or a queen. I spotted a walk-in closet and dressing room to the right, past the huge bed; to the left, a door opened into what appeared to be a bathroom. There was a gilt-edged daybed beneath a window overlooking views of the city. A table nearby held crystal decanters and a pair of matching glasses.
“This is my mother’s room…when she visits,” he said, seeming to understand my confusion. “You will stay here. Everything you see is yours to use as you wish.”
I stared at him, then moved in the direction of the closet, lugging my bag along with me. The mirrored space had a quilted velvet sofa in the center of it, upholstered in the same silvery tones as the linen on the bed. My mouth hung open as I looked around the generously proportioned area. One entire wall was taken up by rack up on rack of shoes; heels, flats; slippers, boots – every girl’s dream. The shelves nearby were evenly spaced and held neatly folded items of clothing. I stepped closer and examined them, stroking my palm over pristine blouses, folded shirts, and jumpers. Alongside were hanging rails packed with perfectly lined rows of skirts, dresses, and evening gowns. Everything looked brand new – in fact, I was certain I could see tags on many of them. I turned and gave a slight jump as I realized he was just inches behind me.
“Um… I… I don’t have much with me, but would it be okay if I cleared some of these shelves so I could make space for my things?” I could feel my throat move reflexively as I swallowed.
“Suit yourself,” he said. “It’s all yours.”
My eyes widened. “What?” I shook my head, trying to comprehend. “The clothes?”
“Yes.”
“And the shoes?” I asked.
He chuckled, his face softening for the first time since I’d met him. “All of it. Jane made the arrangements. She has an eye for women’s sizes.”
“She did this in one afternoon?” I was incredulous.
He shrugged. “She’s resourceful. Anyway, it’s yours.”
